Park Crossing receiver Steven Hodges’ journey to the next level was much longer than the 45 minutes it takes to get there.

Expecting to come in as the quarterback for the first-year Thunderbirds, Hodges moved to receiver and flourished on the edge. The long road to National Signing Day ended in the right place, as Hodges signed with Tuskegee University on Wednesday.

“When I went up there it was a great feeling. The coaches like very coachable players and they made me feel at home,” Hodges said. “That’s what made me commit. I like the feeling and vibe they gave to me.”

Hodges ends his Park Crossing career as the school’s all-time leader in catches with 75 in two seasons. The shifty 5-foot-10, 190-pounder caught 41 passes for 574 yards and seven touchdowns this season, and finished with 1,023 yards in his career.

He missed the final game of his career with a hole in his stomach, and wondered if he missed his opportunity to get an elusive scholarship offer. But just a few weeks later the Golden Tigers reached out.

“It’s been a long recruiting process. It’s just humbling and I feel great knowing that I’m going to college for the next four years and get a great degree,” Hodges said. “It’s crazy. I’m just blessed to be in the situation. I give all the glory to God. It’s a blessing.”

Hodges is one of 30 signees for the Golden Tigers, who are coming off of their first playoff wins in school history and an NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearance. The list includes 11 players from the state of Alabama.